Mention a Hawaiian vacation to your family and you’ll quickly escalate to the Best. Parent. Ever. There’s plenty of reasons why from beaches to Hawaiian culture, but which island to visit with your kids? We vote for Maui with these 10 fun things to do with kids in Maui, Hawaii.
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10 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Maui, Hawaii
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Hawaii isn’t just a place for adults to enjoy a romantic holiday. Maui offers its fair share of beaches, pools, underwater fun, and educational experiences. Need some Maui travel inspiration with the kids? Here are 10 fun things to do in Maui with kids.
1. Maui Ocean Center
Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium with Hawaii-specific ocean life, where you and your kids can explore underwater without getting wet or leaving land. The aquarium has the largest Pacific corals collection in the world.
Over sixty exhibits await you and your family, both indoor and outdoor. You may need the entire day to explore all the exhibits including the 750,000-gallon exhibit. The Open Ocean display has a 54-foot walk through the tunnel where you can view sharks and sting rays as well as large fish all around you.
Depending on the time of year you visit, there may be special events, and there are additional educational tour packages if you wish to do more than walk through the aquarium. The Maui Ocean Center just underwent a very large remodel with a new theater and much more!
2. Luau
Hawaii is well-known for its spectacular luaus, so you don’t want to miss taking your children to a cultural experience that includes fire dancing, drums, and acrobatics. There are at least three recommended Maui luaus you may wish to visit depending on where your hotel is located.
- The Myths of Maui is perfect for visitors staying near the west side of Maui (Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua).
- The Grand Wailea Luau is better if you are on the south side of the island (Kihei, Wailea, Makena). Enjoy watching world-famous Polynesian entertainers providing fire knife dances, Hawaiian arts, and crafts, hula dancing, beautiful songs and more.
- Te Au Moana Luau at the Marriott is also exceptional with games, music, dancing, and a unique style of fire dance.
3. Surf Lessons
Maui is home to both beginner and advanced waves, many surf shops, and experienced surf schools. Instructors at Kihei Surf Lessons will take you to one of the top locations for surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and kids lessons on the south side of Maui. Kids enjoy one on one or shared surf lessons from The Cove in Kihei Pre-reqs require a swim test to ensure your children are ready to be in the ocean surfing the small waves.
We highly suggest lessons, though many rent boards and risk going out at spots that are unsafe or too big for their beginner status. Be safe, have fun, and get some photos that will make your kids heroes when they head back to school!
4. Easy Hiking to Private Waterfalls
Guided Maui Hiking Tours provide easy hikes for the entire family; including trips to secluded waterfalls, they have exclusive permission to take visitors. You and your family can experience authentic Maui, a world of untouched splendor when you hike into the rainforest and see some spectacular waterfalls. The kids will get a kick out of swimming in the cool waters and rock-hopping around the riverbeds.
5. Whale Watch
Maui Whale watches with guaranteed whale sightings are available from December 15th to April 15th. See humpback whales that traverse the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Hawaii every year on the search for warm waters in order to mate and give birth. Humpback whales usually have their calves during the Hawaiian spring season, so there is a chance to see some young whales, as well as those who return year after year.
Boat reservations are required to get a trip to the best whale sighting spots. You can leave out of Maalaea Harbor(best for south Maui visitors) or Lahaina Harbor (best for west Maui visitors).
6. Launiupoko Beach Park in Lahaina
Launiupoko, just south of Lahaina Town, is PERFECT for kids. Parking is an issue at this beach, so arriving early or walking from the parking lot across the street is advised. Toddlers can enjoy swimming in a walled-off pool that goes from inches deep to a few feet. The bigger kids can get a longboard and go surf manageable waves on the outside.
7. Pool Time!
Your resort likely has a pool if not several infinity pools and kid’s pools. If your kids are less interested in beach-going or want more swim time, consider allotting several hours for being around the pool. Pool time can include meals, snacks, and plenty of games for the kids, while you relax or join them.
8. Atlantis Submarine
Children are fascinated with things they can’t explore, and when you take your kids to Maui, you have an opportunity to help them explore beyond the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Atlantis Submarine in Lahaina takes forty-eight passengers to depths of over 100 feet.
Your children can explore natural reefs, see various species of fish, and find out what it is like to dive in the safety of a ship. The submarine will traverse the ocean, around the newest artificial reef, and help your children find a new appreciation for life. The trip is approximately one hour long and also explores a sunken ship!
9. Cheeseburger in Paradise
Yes, you are in paradise when you are in Hawaii, and you can find several restaurants serving burgers, but Cheeseburger in Paradise is worth visiting with your keiki (Hawaiian word for kids). They cater to children with their menu, but also provide adult beverages and great food.
There are three locations in Maui, two in Lahaina and a third in Wailea. All three offer a breakfast menu, as well as lunch and dinner fare. The location on Front Street in Lahaina has some impressive views! (This Maui restaurant literally hangs over the ocean).
10. Maui Arts and Cultural Center
The MACC, or Maui Arts and Cultural Center, has various exhibits and shows. Exhibits can change since it is an art gallery. Your children can learn about local culture and Hawaiian-focused art.
As a cultural center with shows, there are sometimes free performances, so keep your eye out while you are in town. They’ll often do free kids movies outdoors, so keep your eye out for events held by the Maui Film Festival and bring a blanket and some cash for the food trucks.
Be sure to read Activities Mom Will Love in Hawaii
What are your favorite things to do with kids in Maui? Share with us in the comments below.
These look like a fabulous collection of vacation activities! Hawaii has been nestled on my bucket list for ages!
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